Ways To Hand Wash Your Stuffed Animals

This article can be a milestone for keeping your beloved plushies spotless; we will talk about different ways to hand wash your stuffed animals, so if your special teddy needs a clean and you’re ready to hand wash your stuffed animal. Well, also talk about Ways to handwash stuffed animals in the washing machine, so buckle up; you’re in the right place!

For stuffed animals to survive longer, proper care is necessary. They travel together on the long drive to Grandma’s place and on their first flights. On outings to the shop and the zoo and overnight stays at friends’ houses, they go with their closest buddies. They occasionally even slip inside bags and travel to school for the day. Unfortunately, the enjoyment and company might leave behind smudges and unattractive stains. Stuffed animal cleaning doesn’t have to be complicated. Maintain the good looks of your plush friends by following this straightforward advice.

When it comes to washing your stuffed animal, one Google search will leave you with many different methods and ways that you won’t know where to start or what is the best way to do so; in this article, we boiled down the most useful practices to wash your stuffies, ways to hand wash a stuffed animal or with a washing machine, we broke down each method to easy to follow steps. And without further ado, let’s get right to business.

WAYS TO HAND-WASH STUFFED ANIMALS

Can Stuffed Animals Be Washed?

The majority of stuffed animals and plush toys can be washed by hand or in a washing machine. The toy is best hand-washed if there is no label and you are unsure of the kind of exterior fabric and fill substance. But how can you safely hand wash used and perhaps delicate stuffed animals? To learn, take the following actions:

Make sure your child doesn’t see you find a side seam, carefully snip the stitching, and remove all the fill material. Then, hand wash the outside fabric on both sides in water and a mild detergent.

• * Wash the internal fabric after turning the unstuffed animal inside out.
• * Thoroughly rinse the soft toy, blot up any extra water, and then lay it flat to air dry.
• * Switch out the original stuffing for a suitable alternative.
• * Finish the seam and evenly distribute the fill material.

Old, worn-out stuffed animals can be cleaned once more with a little bit of handiwork, and you can even add more filling to them to give them a new lease on life. Even though you might still need to hand wash Mr. Bear again, you’ve given him a fresh start for the time being.

Other stuffed animals and plush toys that are typically not washable and might need special care include: * Stuffed animals with music or other electronics; * Plush toys with sequins, buttons, glued-on eyes, hats, and other decorations; * Stuffed toys with delicate clothing like sheer- or net-type fabrics; * Plush animals like Beanie Babies with foam ball fill instead of batting.

To remain on top of things, occasionally inspect plush animals for stains, rips, dangling eyes, or loose decorations. To keep those priceless stuffed animals looking brand new for a longer period of time, spot-treat any stains with a moist cloth and fix any damage you notice.

When it comes to hand-washing a stuffed animal, there are a few best practices you can follow to ensure a thorough yet gentle cleaning. Here are the recommended steps:

Prepare The Stuffed Animal

Before you begin, check for any detachable parts like clothing, accessories, or batteries. Remove them if possible or take necessary precautions to protect them during the washing process.

• Spot cleaning

 Inspect the stuffed animal for any visible stains or soiled areas. Use a mild detergent or stain remover specifically designed for delicate fabrics. Dab a small amount of the solution onto a clean cloth and gently blot the stains until they lift.

• Fill a basin with lukewarm water

Fill a basin or sink with lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water as it may damage the fabric or cause colors to bleed.

• Select a gentle detergent

 Choose a mild and gentle detergent suitable for handwashing delicate fabrics. Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals that could potentially damage the stuffed animal.

• Submerge and soak

Submerge the stuffed animal in the prepared water and let it soak for a few minutes. This will help loosen dirt and grime.

• Gently hand wash

With your hands or a soft cloth, gently agitate the water around the stuffed animal. Please pay close attention to heavily soiled areas and give them extra care. Avoid rough scrubbing or twisting the toy, as it can cause damage or distort its shape.

• Rinse thoroughly

Once you’ve finished washing, drain the soapy water and refill the basin with clean lukewarm water. Rinse the stuffed animal by gently swishing it around in the water or using a clean cloth to wipe away any remaining soap residue.

• Squeeze out excess water

Press the stuffed animal lightly to remove excess water, but avoid wringing or twisting it, as this can damage the fabric and stuffing.

• Air drying

Lay a clean towel on a flat surface and place the stuffed animal on top to absorb more moisture. Then, find a well-ventilated area and allow the toy to air dry completely. Avoid using a dryer, as the heat can cause shrinkage or damage to the toy.

• Restuff and reshape

Once the stuffed animal is dry, gently fluff and reshape it. If necessary, add fresh stuffing to areas that have lost their volume or plumpness.

Remember, these steps may vary depending on the specific fabric and construction of the stuffed animal. Always refer to any care instructions or manufacturer guidelines if available. By following these general handwashing techniques, you can keep your beloved stuffed animals clean and well-maintained for years to 

 

Read Also: When Can Babies Sleep With a Stuffed Animal

 

MACHINE WASHING YOUR STUFFED ANIMALS 

Before washing plush animals, you should always check the care tag. Specific techniques might not work well with some plush animals. Most plush animals may be surface washed, as indicated on their labels. Use a soft cloth wet with water to kindly clean the surface of the stuffie to perform surface cleaning. Pay special attention to filthy places. Some consumers favor using a mild detergent or a cleaner designed specifically for plush animals. WhetherIf you want to do this, test the cleaner on the stuffed animal to see whether it causes material damage or color fading. 

If a cleaner is used, wipe the animal with a towel that has been soaked in water to eliminate any leftovers. To remove the hair, use a firm brush with prominent plastic bristles. If you have kids, you have some of these tiny plastic brushes. These valuable extras typically come with plush animals with long hair or dolls. Make careful to fluff the plush animal’s fur thoroughly. Work the fur in all directions while alternating between sweeping and brushing.

Take a look at the washing machine.

When To Machine Wash Your Stuffed Animals 

Consider machine washing if the stain or spots do not come out with surface cleaning. How do you tell if a stuffed animal can be washed in a machine? Click here to see the whole collection of our washable stuffed animals. Your stuffed animal may be machine washed if you can find it at that site. You will need to conduct some research if you can’t find it or if you bought it somewhere else. Check the materials listed on the tag first. 

Avoid washing the stuffed animal in a washing machine if it includes polystyrene foam, foam beads, or Excelsior. The same applies if the plush animal has wool, mohair, or real fur. Cleaning stuffed animals made of any of these materials in a washing machine is likely to cause harm. 

Examine the stuffed animal’s construction after becoming certain that none of those above is present. Is it complex or densely packed? Does it have a voice box and produce sounds? Does it have stiffeners or joints? Because of the internal wires, can they flex into different positions? Does it take up too much room in your washing machine? It is advised to avoid washing the stuffed animal in the washing machine if you said “yes” to any of these questions. These plush animals will be harmed if cleaned in the washing machine. 

You don’t want your chirping bluebird to sound like a vulture or, worse yet, make no sound or your stiffly stuffed giraffe’s neck to resemble a floppy dog tail. Additionally, look for any holes or other damage in the plush toy. Further, ripping can occur during machine washing. Before starting the machine washing, patch any holes you notice. 

washing machines

Things To Note 

If a stuffed animal can be machine washed, follow these simple directions. Remove the plush animal’s connected accessories first. Put the stuffed animal in a pillowcase or a delicates bag and zip up the bag. To safely close a pillowcase, tie a shoestring in a loose knot. A complete washing machine should be used. You don’t want to discover that your white toy polar bear is covered in blood from your green shirt. A black plush penguin can quickly transform your brand-new, bright white shirt into a depressing grey tone. Empty the machine to prevent more issues! 

Choose the gentle cycle with a cold wash and rinse after the stuffed animal is in the washing machine. Use a mild washing detergent you have tried in a discrete location on the plush animal. Use a front-loading washer to prevent the center agitator from harming the stuffed animal if feasible. Using this pillowcase or bag technique, you may wash numerous plush animals in the washing machine at once. 

Some kids may find the cleaning process to be distressing. It is usually preferable to quietly clean the stuffed animals if you believe your youngster fits this description. Later, you can explain their brand-new appearance! Cleaning plush animals will be enjoyable for other kids to do. If you believe this is true, you may also demonstrate how simple it is to do a load of towels for your youngster. You gain some more time, and they pick up a helpful ability. Everyone benefits. Besides, it’s merely a chore if they don’t find it enjoyable!

Drying Your Stuffed Animals 

Just cleaning stuffed animals is the start. Once cleaned, it is time to think about the ideal drying techniques. You can let them air dry, but if you do, be warned that they might stay moist for a few days and could develop mildew inside. It may offer a clean outside aroma and lessen the possibility of mould if you dry them on a window sill or clothesline. The water content may be removed from the stuffed animals considerably more quickly than by air drying if you leave them near a dehumidifier for a few days. This drying technique substantially decreases the likelihood of mildew developing within the plush animals. Using a blow dryer on the no-heat setting works nicely for a rapid dry. 

If you take the proper measures, you may use the dryer to dry machine-washable plush animals. Meanwhile, set your dryer to a soft, brief cycle at a low temperature while keeping the clean stuffed animals in the bag. If feasible, the air-dry option works best. Take care to inspect the drying stuffed animals periodically. DO NOT leave the plush toys in the dryer for a prolonged time. Plush animals might need to undergo a few quick cycles to dry completely. How many stuffed animals you have and your settings will affect how long they take to dry. 

Extra Note

Please be aware that Stuffed Safari disclaims liability for any harm caused by using one of these cleaning techniques. We must advise you to heed the manufacturer’s instructions. If the care tag is missing, get in touch with the manufacturer. If you need assistance recognizing a brand, call us. We can usually figure out where a stuffed animal came from with a picture or a description. It is what we do! 

A child’s favorite stuffed animal may show signs of love by getting dirty or stained. When you prepare to wash any plush animal, keep this in mind. Only clean them thoroughly if it is essential. This is crucial if the stuffed animal is old or well-used. Even after a thorough cleaning, certain plush animals might not survive. If you utilize this helpful cleaning advice, cleaning stuffed animals is simple, but you always risk injuring them. A small amount of wear might enhance their appeal if there is no risk.

 

Read Also: Why Some Kids Get Attached To Their Plushies

 

FAQ

The best way to wash stuffed animals

Give them a spa day in the sink! Gentle soap, warm water, and lots of bubbles will make them squeaky clean. Just be careful not to make the rubber ducky jealous.

How to clean stuffed animals without a washing machine

Time to get your detective skills on! Grab a cloth, and some soapy water, and give those cuddly critters a hand wash. They’ll appreciate the personal touch.

How to dry stuffed animals without a dryer

Let nature work its magic! Find a sunny spot, give them a gentle shake, and hang them out to dry. They’ll feel like they’re on vacation in Stuffed Animal Paradise.

How to dry stuffed animals after washing

Patience is key! Use a fluffy towel to remove excess water gently, then find a cosy spot where they can air dry. It’s like a fluffy slumber party!

How long should I wash my plush toys?

A stuffed animal or plush doll may be machine-washed for as long as the gentle cycle runs (on my washer, that’s 44 minutes). Stuffed animals and plush dolls should soak for at least 15 minutes while being washed by hand. Depending on whether you choose to machine-dry or air-dry, the drying time varies.

How frequently should plush toys be washed?

Stuffed animals should often be washed at least once each month. Some toys, nevertheless, will require more frequent cleaning.

What happens when a stuffed animal is washed?

The majority of plush toys, including teddy bears and other animals, may be quickly and easily washed in the laundry. The spinning and heat of a washing machine may damage plush animals with glued-on eyes, sequins, plastic pieces, or fragile clothes.

Remember, when it comes to cleaning and drying stuffed animals, treat them like VIPs. They’ll come out looking fresher than a daisy and ready for more cuddles!